show trial

American  

noun

1. (especially in a totalitarian state) the public trial of a political offender conducted chiefly for propagandistic purposes, as to suppress further dissent against the government by making an example of the accused.

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show trial British  

noun

1. a trial conducted primarily to make a particular impression on the public or on other nations, esp one that demonstrates the power of the state over the individual

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Etymology

Origin of show trial

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

show trial

Hours later, Fox said that he had "completed my show trial... I mean disciplinary hearing" - a reference to the investigation launched by the channel into his comments.

From BBC ● Sep. 29, 2023

Earlier that year, his Khmer Rouge contacts had taken him to witness an outdoor show trial in which Pol Pot, the movement’s founder, was denounced by comrades.

From New York Times ● Jan. 6, 2023

"She endured mistreatment and a show trial in Russia with characteristic grit and incredible dignity."

From Salon ● Dec. 8, 2022

“I think it’s going to be a little bit of a show trial for him,” said Weinstein, now a criminal defense lawyer in New Jersey.

From Seattle Times ● Oct. 1, 2022

The secret police wanted Shostakovich to answer questions about his friendship with Marshal Tukhachevsky, formerly head of the Red Army, who was being set up for a show trial.

From "The Story of Music" by Howard Goodall